Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney will be caught between two worlds when Alabama plays Florida State on Sept. 2 -- his alma mater vs. his conference.

Asked at ACC Media Days Thursday who he'd be rooting for when the Crimson Tide and Seminoles face off at Mercedes Benz Stadium, Swinney didn't hesitate. According to Warchant's Ryan S. Clark (among others), Swinney said "I'm pulling for a great game and I'm pulling for the Noles."

Dabo Swinney on who'd he root for between Alabama and #FSU and he said, "I'm pulling for a great game and I'm pulling for the #Noles"

Swinney, a Pelham native, played wide receiver at Alabama from 1989-92. He joined the Crimson Tide as a walk-on, eventually earning a scholarship and winning a national championship as a senior in 1992.

Alabama and Florida State -- Clemson's ACC rival -- are likely to be ranked No. 1 and No. 2 to open the season. The Tigers beat both teams last season, the Seminoles 37-34 during the regular season and the Crimson Tide 35-31 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to secure its first national championship since 1981.